A recent poll conducted by CTV News suggests that residents of Winnipeg believe their city is in need of more money. However, opinions are divided when it comes to how this money should be obtained.
The poll, which surveyed 500 Winnipeg residents, found that 62% of respondents believe the city needs more funding to address various issues such as infrastructure, public transportation, and social services. Only 25% of those surveyed disagreed with this statement, while 13% were unsure.
When it comes to how this additional funding should be obtained, opinions were split. 41% of respondents believe that taxes should be increased to generate more revenue for the city, while 40% believe that the city should find ways to cut spending instead. 19% of those surveyed were unsure of the best course of action.
The poll also revealed that there are differences in opinion based on age and income. Those aged 18-34 were more likely to support an increase in taxes, with 49% in favor compared to 36% of those aged 55 and older. Similarly, those with a household income of less than $50,000 were more likely to support an increase in taxes compared to those with a higher income.
The results of this poll come at a time when the city of Winnipeg is facing financial challenges due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The city has already implemented budget cuts and is exploring various options to generate more revenue.
Mayor Brian Bowman responded to the poll results, stating that he understands the concerns of residents and that the city is working to find a balance between addressing the city’s needs and keeping taxes affordable.
The poll was conducted by Probe Research between December 7-17, 2020, and has a margin of error of +/- 4.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Overall, the poll suggests that Winnipeg residents recognize the need for more funding in their city, but there is no clear consensus on how this should be achieved. As the city continues to navigate financial challenges, it remains to be seen how these differing opinions will impact future decisions.
